Breast, premenstrual tenderness and swelling

• menstrual cycle
• estrogen medications can cause postmenopausal breast swelling and tenderness
• adolescent pregnancy
• first trimester pregnancy

Note: There may be other causes of premenstrual breast tenderness . This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for premenstrual breast tenderness, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Self-care may include restricting dietary fat to approximately 25% of the total daily calorie intake and eliminating caffeine . Breast self-examination should be performed monthly.

Adequate bras should be worn to provide good breast support.

The effectiveness of vitamin E , vitamin B6 , and herbal preparations such as evening primrose oil are somewhat controversial and should be discussed with your health care provider.

Oral contraceptives may be prescribed because they often decrease symptoms.

Danazol, a synthetic androgen (male hormone), may be used in severe cases when the potential benefit is thought to outweigh the potential adverse effects.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• there are unilateral (one-sided), new, unusual, or changing lumps in breast tissue.
• you do not know how to appropriately perform a breast self-examination .
• you are a woman, 40 years old or greater, and have not had a screening mammogram .

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting premenstrual breast tenderness in detail may include:

• Does the tenderness occur with every menstrual period?
• Do you know how to do breast self-examination ?
• Have you noticed any breast lumps ?
• What other symptoms are also present?

Your health care provider will check for breast lumps, and note the qualities of the lump (firm or soft, smooth or bumpy, and so on).

Diagnostic tests:
A mammogram is usually performed if the woman is over 40 years old. If a lump is found that is not clearly benign , a breast biopsy may be necessary.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to premenstrual breast tenderness to your personal medical record. You may also want to note if there are any lumps, if you had a mammogram or biopsy , and any recommendations your provider made for treating this symptom.


This illustration shows an anatomical cross-section, both side and front views, of the female breast.